Playing Valheim with friends is an incredibly enjoyable way to experience the game’s vast and immersive world. Whether you’re building epic structures, exploring dangerous biomes, or battling formidable foes, having your friends by your side makes the adventure even more thrilling. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to set up a private server, invite your friends, and manage your server effectively.
Key Takeaways
- Setting up a dedicated server for Valheim requires downloading the server program from Steam, configuring the settings, and testing the server to ensure it runs smoothly.
- Inviting friends to your Valheim server can be done by sharing server details, using the Steam friends list, and troubleshooting any connection issues that may arise.
- Using console commands for server management involves enabling developer mode, learning commonly used commands, and mastering advanced server management techniques.
Setting Up a Dedicated Server for Valheim
Downloading the Dedicated Server Program
To get started, you’ll need to download the Valheim Dedicated Server tool from Steam. This tool is included with your purchase of Valheim. Open Steam, go to your Library, and select the dropdown menu labeled ‘Games.’ Check the ‘Tools’ option and search for ‘Valheim.’ Once you find the Valheim Dedicated Server tool, click ‘Install.’
Configuring the Server Settings
After installing the tool, navigate to its local files. Right-click on the Valheim Dedicated Server in your Steam Library, select ‘Properties,’ then ‘Local Files,’ and finally ‘Browse.’ This will open the folder where the server files are located. You’ll need to edit the start_headless_server.bat file to configure your server settings. Make sure to set a unique server name, a secure password, and the desired world name.
Launching and Testing the Server
Once your settings are configured, you can launch the server by running the start_headless_server.bat file. A command prompt window will open, indicating that the server is starting. It may take a few minutes for the server to fully initialize. To test if your server is running correctly, open Valheim, go to the ‘Join Game’ tab, and search for your server name. If everything is set up correctly, you should be able to join your server and start playing with friends.
Setting up a dedicated server allows you and your friends to enjoy a persistent world, making your Valheim experience more immersive and enjoyable.
Inviting Friends to Your Valheim Server
Playing Valheim with friends is the premier way to enjoy the Viking survival game. To do that, you’ll need to either create servers in the game so other players can join you, or join them in their servers. Valheim’s menus can be a bit confusing to navigate, though, especially if you don’t really know much about local hosting or dedicated servers. And even joining games can be a little wonky, requiring you to use Steam’s menus to find servers using IP addresses.
Joining a Valheim Server
Finding the Server
To join a Valheim server, start by launching the game and selecting your character. From the main menu, choose the Join Game option. Here, you can either browse through the Community Server list or directly search for your friend’s server using the server name or IP address. If the server is set up correctly, it should appear on the list. Use the Filter text box to narrow down your search.
Entering Server Details
Once you’ve found the server, click on it to join. You’ll be prompted to enter the server password. Make sure you have the correct password, as you won’t be able to join without it. If you’re having trouble finding the server, you can also use the IP button to search for the server by its IP address.
Connecting to the Server
After entering the server details, click the Connect button. The game will attempt to establish a connection to the server. If everything is set up correctly, you’ll be able to join the server and start playing with your friends. If you encounter any issues, double-check the server details and ensure that your internet connection is stable.
Joining a Valheim server can sometimes be tricky, but with the right information, you’ll be able to connect and enjoy the game with your friends.
Using Console Commands for Server Management
Enabling Developer Mode
To start using console commands in Valheim, you need to enable developer mode. This can be done by adding the -console argument to the launch options for Valheim in your Steam library. Press the F5 key to open the console window once you’re in the game. For Xbox users, the combination is LB + LT + Menu button.
Commonly Used Commands
Once developer mode is enabled, you can use a variety of commands to manage your server. Here are some of the most commonly used ones:
devcommands: Enables all other commands.help: Lists all available commands.spawn [item] [quantity]: Spawns the specified item in the given quantity.god: Enables god mode, making you invincible.ban [player]: Bans a player from the server.kick [player]: Kicks a player from the server.
Advanced Server Management
For more advanced server management, you can use commands to control the game environment and player interactions. For example, you can change the time of day with the tod [0-1] command, where 0 is midnight and 1 is noon. You can also use the resetmap command to reset the entire game world.
Mastering these key console commands and cheats can significantly enhance your gameplay experience. They allow you to optimize your Valheim server for smoother gameplay and easier management.
Conclusion
Playing Valheim with friends on a private server offers a unique and immersive experience that enhances the game’s cooperative elements. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can set up a dedicated server, invite your friends, and enjoy a seamless multiplayer adventure. Whether you choose to host your own server or rent one, the key is to ensure a stable and persistent world where you and your friends can explore, build, and conquer together. For more detailed instructions and troubleshooting tips, refer to the official Valheim support pages and community resources.
